Evolving Role of Radiology in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

Abstract

Background: This worldwide outbreak has disrupted a steady world of healthcare. Until now, diagnostic radiology and laboratory tests had been reasonably accurate in confirmed disease. Methods: The review article used data bases, published literature, radiological guidelines issued from societies related to COVID-19 and large number of research journals to find out the latest evidence for the evolving role of radiology in COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Computed Tomography scanning of the lungs demonstrated ground glass grounded opacities (34%) alone or in combination with consolidations (41%). In the first 5 days following exposure the false-negative rate of the RT-PCR testing is as much as 76 % dropping to 21% on day 8 after exposure and CT findings are non-specific, overlapping with other types of pneumonias. Pulmonary embolism has been reported in 23-30 % of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: This review attempts to clear the confusion about the application and imaging presentation of COVID-19 infection CT scanning of the lungs. Findings of glass grounded opacities and pulmonary embolism has been reported in patients with COVID-19. The evidence based practices required to deal with severity based clinical scenarios taking into account available resources in the high-, middle- and lowincome countries.